KEVIN YOUNG, DIRECTOR
60822 Creek Road
Niles, MI 49120
269-684-3870
kevin60822@sbcglobal.net
MARCH/APRIL 2026 GRANGE NEWS
Yes, snow is a part of everyday life during winter in our community. And don’t we often wish we didn’t have to live with it, but we couldn’t live without it.
I hope you also took time to look over all the class offerings not only in the Agriculture Department but all of the contests for every Department in the new Program Book that was in the last issue of the MGN. There are lots of activities for young and old in the Program Book. I did add one sub category in the Agriculture contests. My 1st quarter Bulletin talked about it and gave steps to take to “preserve” a pie pumpkin that you then use as a vase to put either fresh, dried or artificial flowers in. This could be a fun class to try out.
If you are able to buy local, please support your neighbors or the small businesses in your communities over shopping at the Big Box stores. The small businesses and your neighbors will be the first ones to be hurt by the lack of funding or cut programs.
Please remember that Spring is a time for new beginnings and growth. I hope you all can Grow your Grange! Watch out for farm machinery on the roads in April. Keep our farmers safe!!
Here is hoping 2026 is another great Grange year for all and brings bounty to our Agriculture Neighbors and Friends!
Spring is just around the corner!! It is February 23rd as I sit and write to you. Winter finally reminded us what winter used to be like when I was younger! We have had plenty of winter “moisture” this year. We had a nice warm up during the week of Feb 16th and all of the snow that we have had since December finally all melted. But, not to disappoint, we got about 14” in 2 days time! Now we are looking to finish February with temps in the 40s and 50s At least we received moisture to help replenish the ground prior to growing season.
I hope everyone that plants a garden, no matter the size, took the time to plan their garden plantings for this growing season. It won’t be long, and we will be out working up the soil in preparation to plant and reap the harvest through the growing year.
Yes, snow is a part of everyday life during winter in our community. And don’t we often wish we didn’t have to live with it, but we couldn’t live without it.
I hope you also took time to look over all the class offerings not only in the Agriculture Department but all of the contests for every Department in the new Program Book that was in the last issue of the MGN. There are lots of activities for young and old in the Program Book. I did add one sub category in the Agriculture contests. My 1st quarter Bulletin talked about it and gave steps to take to “preserve” a pie pumpkin that you then use as a vase to put either fresh, dried or artificial flowers in. This could be a fun class to try out.
If you are able to buy local, please support your neighbors or the small businesses in your communities over shopping at the Big Box stores. The small businesses and your neighbors will be the first ones to be hurt by the lack of funding or cut programs.
Please remember that Spring is a time for new beginnings and growth. I hope you all can Grow your Grange! Watch out for farm machinery on the roads in April. Keep our farmers safe!!
Here is hoping 2026 is another great Grange year for all and brings bounty to our Agriculture Neighbors and Friends!
Until later….
AGRICULTURE
MAY/JUNE 2026 GRANGE NEWS
We are getting things done slowly this year around the little farm due to the crazy weather and busy schedules. I have yet to get the chicken coop cleaned but that is because when I have the time it is either not nice weather or I am too tired and need to just rest! This year we will only have a feeder pig to put in the freezers. I also have a mess in the yard to clean up from the storms back in March. I had a few trees come down and just finally have the extra time to start cutting them up.
It is that time of year for babies of all kinds to be born. Within the last 2 weeks, we have had 3 litters of kittens born. Our momma cats are such good mommas.
Please be mindful that this is the time of year that the country roads and some State Highways will have slow moving farm vehicles on them. If it wasn’t for those farmers and their employees, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to go to farmers’ markets or the grocery stores to get the food needed to feed our families. Please give those big vehicles and tractors as much room as you can without causing problems for yourself or others.
Well, that is all for now. Please remember whenever possible to buy Local or Locally Grown / Made products! Local asparagus is being harvested in my area of the State. It is hard to believe it is time for that already. Our rhubarb has been enjoying all the rain and spike in temperatures this spring.
Until later…
Wow is it Spring, or Summer!!?? April sure has been up and down with the temperatures. We have had tornados, ice storms, flooding, frost… what next!?
How many of you have planted anything in your gardens yet? Things that could have been planted by now would be seed potatoes, onion sets, cold crops (cabbages, etc) and I even think carrots but not sure so please check before you plant them! When planning your garden spots, keep in mind the Ag Classes that you can enter at this year’s Annual State Grange Session. Each class is open to Junior members up to Subordinate members. There are plenty of different classes for all ages and you do not have to live in the Country to do them. I can’t wait to see what Unique containers with plantings come to State Session. Please check the Program Booklet for more details on all classes for each department.
We are getting things done slowly this year around the little farm due to the crazy weather and busy schedules. I have yet to get the chicken coop cleaned but that is because when I have the time it is either not nice weather or I am too tired and need to just rest! This year we will only have a feeder pig to put in the freezers. I also have a mess in the yard to clean up from the storms back in March. I had a few trees come down and just finally have the extra time to start cutting them up.
It is that time of year for babies of all kinds to be born. Within the last 2 weeks, we have had 3 litters of kittens born. Our momma cats are such good mommas.
Please be mindful that this is the time of year that the country roads and some State Highways will have slow moving farm vehicles on them. If it wasn’t for those farmers and their employees, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to go to farmers’ markets or the grocery stores to get the food needed to feed our families. Please give those big vehicles and tractors as much room as you can without causing problems for yourself or others.
Well, that is all for now. Please remember whenever possible to buy Local or Locally Grown / Made products! Local asparagus is being harvested in my area of the State. It is hard to believe it is time for that already. Our rhubarb has been enjoying all the rain and spike in temperatures this spring.
Until later…
